The Immigration Issue and the 2008 Presidential Election: Exit Poll of Hispanic Voters in Miami-Dade County, Florida and Los Angeles County, California November 6, 2008

2 Methodology Sample size 2,102 interviews with Latin American immigrant voters in Miami and Los Angeles Dates of interviews October 23 – November 4, 2008 Margin of error 2 percentage points Languages of interviews Spanish, English

3 Demographics of Latin American Immigrant Electorate The Latin American immigrant electorate does not include U.S. born Hispanic voters, Cuban refugee voters, or Puerto Rican voters. The Latin American immigrant electorate does not include U.S. born Hispanic voters, Cuban refugee voters, or Puerto Rican voters. The Latin American immigrant electorate represents 40 percent (approximately 4 million) of the overall Hispanic vote in the United States. The Latin American immigrant electorate represents 40 percent (approximately 4 million) of the overall Hispanic vote in the United States.

4 The Hispanic Electorate

5 Country of Birth Latin American Immigrant Voters

6 Age Latin American Immigrant Voters

7 Decade of Arrival Latin American Immigrant Voters

8 Presidential Vote Immigrant voters from Latin America voted overwhelming for Barack Obama for President. Immigrant voters from Latin America voted overwhelming for Barack Obama for President. Obama had the strongest support among Mexicans, Dominicans, and young voters (ages 18-29). Obama had the strongest support among Mexicans, Dominicans, and young voters (ages 18-29).

9 Presidential Vote Latin American Immigrant Voters

10 Presidential Vote By Country of Birth

11 Presidential Vote By Country of Birth

12 Presidential Vote By Country of Birth

13 Presidential Vote Latin American Immigrant Voters By Age

14 Presidential Vote The Hispanic Vote

15 The Immigration Issue The immigration issue is considered to be “very important” by more than three-fifths of all Latin American immigrant voters. This is especially true among those from Central America and the more recent arrivals. The immigration issue is considered to be “very important” by more than three-fifths of all Latin American immigrant voters. This is especially true among those from Central America and the more recent arrivals.

16 How important is the issue of immigration to you and your family? Latin American Immigrant Voters

17 How important is the issue of immigration to you and your family? By Country of Birth

18 How important is the issue of immigration to you and your family? Latin American Immigrant Voters By Decade of Arrival

19 How important is the issue of immigration to you and your family? By Country of Birth

20 Immigration Policy Latin American immigrant voters are united on immigration policy. More than 90 percent support giving illegal immigrants a chance to legalize their status and eventually become citizens. Latin American immigrant voters are united on immigration policy. More than 90 percent support giving illegal immigrants a chance to legalize their status and eventually become citizens. A rise in discrimination against Hispanics because of the tone of the immigration debate contributed to the rejection of the Republican nominee for President. A rise in discrimination against Hispanics because of the tone of the immigration debate contributed to the rejection of the Republican nominee for President.

21 Which statement is closer to your opinion? Latin American Immigrant Voters By Country of Birth

22 Which statement is closer to your opinion? By Country of Birth

23 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Discrimination against Hispanics in the U.S. has increased in the last two years because of the tone and rhetoric from the immigration debate. Latin American Immigrant Voters